Atuss DS Side Effects

Note: This page contains information about the side effects of chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine. Some of the dosage forms included on this document may not apply to the brand name Atuss DS.

Not all side effects for Atuss DS may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

For Healthcare Professionals

Nervous system

Nearly all patients treated with chlorpheniramine experience drowsiness. This drowsiness may subside in some patients with extended use.

Few cases of dyskinesias and tremors, often of the face, have been reported in patients whose chronic use of chlorpheniramine extended over a period of 3 to 10 years. Some of these cases were only partially relieved by discontinuation of the drug. Haloperidol was successful in relieving symptoms.[Ref]

Nervous system side effects of chlorpheniramine have included drowsiness in 75% or more of treated patients. Dyskinesias have rarely been reported following chronic use of chlorpheniramine.

Nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan have included drowsiness and dizziness. Other side effects such as excitation, mental confusion, and opioid like respiratory depression have been rare and occurred at higher dosages. In some cases of abuse, patients experienced euphoria, hyperactivity, mania, and auditory and visual hallucinations.

Nervous system side effects of pseudoephedrine have included insomnia in up to 30% of patients. Tremor, anxiety, nervousness, and headache have also been reported.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects of chlorpheniramine have included dry mouth and constipation in up to one-third of treated patients.

Gastrointestinal side effects of dextromethorphan have included stomach upset.

Gastrointestinal side effects of pseudoephedrine have included anorexia and gastric irritation in approximately 5% of patients. Dry mouth, nose, or throat have occurred in up to 15% of patients.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Pseudoephedrine causes vasoconstriction which generally does not produce hypertension, but may be problematic for patients with preexisting hypertension. Arrhythmias may be produced in predisposed patients. Rarely, pseudoephedrine has been reported to cause coronary artery spasm and chest pain.

One report evaluated the effect with 60 mg of pseudoephedrine on individuals in a hyperbaric chamber at 1 atmosphere (simulated scuba dive to 66 feet of sea water). Pseudoephedrine and depth (simulated) were found to have significant but opposite effects on heart rate, although these effects were unlikely to be clinically significant during diving.[Ref]

Cardiovascular side effects of chlorpheniramine have included hypotension, tachycardia, and palpitations.

Cardiovascular side effects of pseudoephedrine have included tachycardia. Some patients have developed hypertension and/or arrhythmias.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular effects of chlorpheniramine have included blurred vision, diplopia, and dry eyes due to anticholinergic effects.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects of chlorpheniramine have included dysuria, urinary hesitancy, and a decreased urine flow. In rare cases, the anticholinergic effect of chlorpheniramine has precipitated acute urinary retention.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects of chlorpheniramine have included bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia.[Ref]

A fatal case of agranulocytosis has been reported in a patient taking chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylpropanolamine, and aspirin. Chlorpheniramine was felt to be the cause.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects of dextromethorphan have included rare reports of fixed-drug eruptions.

Hypersensitivity side effects of pseudoephedrine have included fixed-drug eruptions.[Ref]

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